Quit-smoking Celebration Slated

June 27, 1991|The Morning Call

The American Lung Association of the Lehigh Valley will call attention to the health hazards of smoking when it celebrates NonDependence Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Bethlehem's Center City Plaza.

The chapter will have displays encouraging smokers to "declare their freedom" from smoking, including a coffin in which smokers can discard their cigarettes; "cold turkey" submarine sandwiches donated by Bethlehem's Subway and the signing of a giant NonDependence poster. There also will be literature available, and Councilman Otto Ehrsam will read a proclamation.

According to John Williams, executive director of the association, "More than 38 million smokers in the United States have quit. The message is no matter what your age, `It's never too late to quit.' Clearly the message is being heard."

The association's research shows that one in six American deaths is the result of smoking and more than 434,000 American have died of smoking-related disease. However, when a smoker quits, the body begins to repair some of the damage, and nicotine is cleared from the body within a few days.

The chapter will conduct a "Freedom from Smoking," program from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays beginning July 8 in the chapter's office, 2191 W. Union Blvd., Bethlehem.